A methodology to assess the vulnerability of rural communities to to lack of access

Li, Zijun (2021). A methodology to assess the vulnerability of rural communities to to lack of access. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Many rural communities in developing countries are vulnerable to the disruption of access. The roads and transport services they rely on to access goods and services are often disrupted by climate-induced events (i.e. geohazards). There has been an increase in such disruptions due to changes in climate and land use, yet the budget available in many developing countries to improve community access remains scarce. Accordingly, there is a need for increased funding to improve rural access and to prioritise investment. This requires an understanding of the socio-economic benefits of investment in rural infrastructure and an equitable means by which the needs of communities can be compared so that limited budget can be spent on communities in greatest need of investment.

To address the above issue, this doctoral research developed a vulnerability-based assessment methodology and model that considers the likelihood and impacts of access disruption to a community and the capacity of the community to cope with and adapt to impacts and to improve its resilience to future events. The methodology and model incorporate fuzzy approaches (e.g. uniform formatting number, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and fuzzy system) to address data uncertainty.

The use of the methodology/model is illustrated using data obtained from four villages in China. The results from the case study illustrate that the developed approach is robust, that is can take into account data uncertainties and that it is capable of providing a means by which the access needs of different communities can be prioritised equitably and transparently.

Type of Work:	Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)
Award Type:	Doctorates > Ph.D.
Supervisor(s):	Supervisor(s) Email ORCID Burrow, Michael UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Ghataora, Gurmel UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
Licence:	All rights reserved
College/Faculty:	Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
School or Department:	School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
Funders:	None/not applicable
Subjects:	T Technology > TE Highway engineering. Roads and pavements
URI:	http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/11447

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